Tips For A Picture Perfect First Look By: Celladora Photography

Do it!

If you are on the fence about having a first look go for it!

We've photographed hundreds of weddings with first looks and not a single couple has said that they regretted waiting to see each other until the ceremony.On the contrary many of those couples said it was their favorite moment from their entire wedding day. Choosing to see each other before the ceremony gives you so many more opportunities for photos and cuts down on the stress of the day tremendously!

Leave plenty of time for it

The rest of the wedding day will have you surrounded by friends, family and well-wishers. A first look becomes an intimate moment when the two of you can share some time together without a mob of people around you. Leave some time for it and enjoy the moment. We usually build the first look into our photo timelines along with the time for photos of just the two of you. Sometimes the first look lasts just a few minutes, sometimes 20 minutes plus. It's important not to rush this moment and the longer it lasts the more real, candid photos you will have!

​Pick a spot with soft light

Since first looks happen before the ceremony this usually means that the sun is high in the sky which isn't exactly great lighting for portraits since it can create harsh shadows. Look for a shaded spot (under some trees, shaded side of a building) for the best light so one of you isn't looking directly into the sun or has their face covered in unflattering shadows.

Make it special and unique​Many of the LGBT couples that we photograph choose to get ready together on the wedding day (which we love and makes for great photos!) but we recommend separating for the final touches and saving the wedding attire for the first look reveal. Seeing each other in your wedding attire for the first time is such a special moment (especially if you don't know what your partner is wearing!). Some other things to do during your first look to make it even more special are to, swap letters to each other, practice your first dance, share a pre-wedding toast. I absolutely love these special private moments!

Congratulations Amy & Tara

Photos By: Celladora Photography

"I loved that Amy and Tara chose to get ready together but kept their dresses as a surprise from each other. This made their first look really fun and a great reveal. I absolutely love all of the details from their wedding from the beautiful bouquets (which were unique to each of their personalities), their matching TOMS and all of the decorations at Travellers Rest." -John Yates, Celladora Photography

About The Photographer

A Nashville, Tennessee based photography team led by John Yates. Celladora was founded in 2010 as a wedding photography brand for couples who find beauty in the details, and in the moments. Our brand of photography highlights a real authentic documentation of the story of each wedding we photograph. We believe that love is love and that all couples deserve amazing wedding photographs to document their special day. Our team is available for destination weddings worldwide.